Morris Marina

Thursday 13 November 2008
The Morris Marina was a car manufactured by the Morris division of British Leyland throughout the 1970s, a period of difficulty for the British car industry. It was known in some markets as the Austin Marina, Leyland Marina, and Morris 1.7. The model has been widely identified as symptomatic of the problems facing the industry at that time, with poor build quality, handling likened to a "skip on wheels" and outdated design. The die-cast comes out of Bitish manufacturer Vanguards, a brand of Corgi.

Technical data:
- engine: L4
- capacity: 1275 cc
- horsepower: 60 HP
- gearbox: 4+1
- top speed: 160 km/h

Mini Morris

Wednesday 12 November 2008
The Mini is a small car that was produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC) and its successors from 1959 until 2000. The original is considered an icon of the 1960s, and its space-saving front-wheel-drive layout (that allowed 80% of the area of the car's floorpan to be used for passengers and luggage) influenced a generation of car-makers. The vehicle is in some ways considered the British equivalent to its German contemporary, the Volkswagen Beetle, which enjoyed similar popularity in North America. The models are early Hongwells. A nice ones.

Technical data:
- engine: L4
- capacity: 997 cc
- horsepower: 34 HP
- gearbox: 4+1
- top speed: 120 km/h

Mini Cooper - "BMW MINI"

Tuesday 11 November 2008
When production of the classic Mini ceased in 2000, BMW (the new owner of the brand) announced the successor to the Mini – which is variously called the "BMW MINI" or the "New MINI". Some Mini enthusiasts reject the claim that the MINI is the natural successor of the original car - others simply dislike it - yet others were amongst the first to buy the new MINI when it was launched. Either way it is a special car which was first among VW Beetle and recently launched Fiat 500. The model is made by Hongwell.

Technical data:
- engine: L4
- capacity: 1600 cc
- horsepower: 120 HP
- gearbox: 5+1
- top speed: 200 km/h